(516) 679-2225
We’ve all been there. You wake up in the morning, your back feels tight, or your neck seems stiff and a little “off.” You may shrug it off, saying, “I guess I slept funny,” but is that really the case? Did you accidentally twist yourself into an odd position in your sleep, or is the problem actually your pillow or mattress?
Can Sleep Affect Your Back?
Sleep has a profound effect on your back. The position in which you sleep, the length and quality of your sleep, and even the environment in which you sleep can have an impact on your back health and alignment. Often, we have little control over those factors, but there’s one thing you usually can control – the bed on which you sleep.
Can a Mattress Affect Your Back?
Your mattress – and pillows – are critically important to your spinal alignment, and sleeping on the wrong ones can cause serious discomfort. You may wonder, “How do I know if my mattress is causing my back pain?”
If you have trouble getting comfortable in your bed, wake up frequently at night, and wake up with back pain, there’s a good chance you are sleeping on the wrong mattress. If your mattress sags, or if you feel like you might roll off the edge or sink into the middle, your mattress is either worn out or lacking in support.
What is the Best Way to Sleep for a Healthy Back?
The best way to sleep for a healthy back is to sleep on it. Lying flat on your back is the best sleep position for avoiding back pain. Sleep with one pillow beneath your head or neck to align your spine. For additional support, place a second pillow under your knees. This helps to maintain the natural curve of your spine and takes the pressure off your back.
How Should I Sleep to Avoid Back Pain?
If you can’t sleep on your back, there are ways to minimize back strain regardless of your preferred sleeping position. Side and stomach sleepers can make slight changes.
If you sleep on your side, try sleeping with a pillow between your legs, bending them slightly to your chest. You can also try using a full-body pillow for additional stability and support.
Stomach sleeping is probably the worst sleep position for your back, but you can mitigate the effects by putting a pillow beneath your lower abdomen and pelvis. If sleeping with a pillow under your head causes neck discomfort, try sleeping without one.
What Kind of Mattress Is Best for Back Health?
The best mattress options for back health tend to be latex and memory foam mattresses that support your spine, conforming to the body and protecting your pressure points. The most important factor is that your mattress supports your entire body completely.
Don’t forget the importance of a good pillow, which can keep the upper portion of your spine aligned. Pillows are often treated as an afterthought, but they take up nearly a quarter of the length of your bed and are an integral factor in keeping your spine properly aligned!
East Bay Chiropractic Wellness Can Address Your Back Pain Issues
At East Bay Chiropractic Wellness, P.C., we have over 30 years of experience in addressing back pain. Call us today at (516) 679-2225 or visit our contact page to book online and find out how we can help you manage back pain and get a better night’s sleep.
